A new freelance opportunity has just opened up with one of the UK’s leading housebuilders, based in Maidstone, Kent. They’re heading into a busy period and need an experienced Materials Buyer to support the team across multiple live residential schemes.
1. Position: Buyer (Materials)
2. Contract type: Freelance / Temporary
3. Duration: 6 – 9 months
4. Payment type: PAYE, PAYE Umbrella or Limited company outside of IR35
5. Day rate: £ negotatiable and dependant on payment method chosen.
6. Location: Maidstone, Kent
7. Skilled Careers contact: Mark Dixon (Maidstone branch)
The Company
This is a well-established, highly regarded housebuilder with around 10 live sites across the South East and a strong pipeline of new developments starting in 2026. It’s a busy, fast-paced environment with solid systems and experienced teams in place.
The Role
You’ll be joining a team of three Buyers, reporting directly to the Senior Buyer, helping keep projects moving during a peak workload period.
Day-to-day, you’ll be:
8. Scheduling and ordering materials
9. Placing materials and plant orders with suppliers
10. Managing budgets and monitoring spend
11. Working closely with site teams for call-offs
12. Supporting smooth supply chain operations across live developments
What They’re Looking For
13. Proven experience as a Materials Buyer (construction/housebuilding ideally)
14. Comfortable managing orders, suppliers, and budgets
15. Good communication skills — you’ll be dealing with site teams and suppliers daily
16. COINS experience is helpful but not essential (training available)
What’s On Offer
17. 6–9 month freelance contract
18. Competitive day rate (negotiable depending on payment method)
19. PAYE, Umbrella, or Limited Company (outside IR35) options
20. 1 day per week WFH (rota basis) if you want it
21. Office parking available
What to do next?